Denny Hamlin (11) crossed the start-finish line on the final restart at the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
by Brian Turrel
Denny Hamlin won Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway, fending off Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch in a single-lap restart, needed after a wreck on a previous restart.
After the race, Hamlin credited crew chief Chris Gabeheart for making adjustments to give him a “dominant car” in the second half of the race. Hamlin overtook Martin Truex Jr. shortly after the end of the race’s second stage in lap 160.
Hamlin also credited Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch with a well-timed push on the restart that positioned him to get out in front of the field and protect his lead.
Chase Elliott finished second, earning just enough points to edge Brad Keselowski for the final spot to advance in the NASCAR playoffs. Kyle Busch finished third.
Denny Hamlin hoisted the trophy after winning the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Denny Hamlin’s crew celebrated by dousing his car in victory lane. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Denny Hamlin’s crew celebrated in the pits as their driver crossed the finish line. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Racing team owner and pro football hall of fame coach Joe Gibbs congratulated Hamlin’s crew after the win. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Country artist Casey Donahew performed a concert before the race. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Martin Truex Jr. went through some last-minute checks before the race. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Parker Kligerman (96) raced in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Joey Logano (22) kept the outside lane against Clint Bowyer (14) in turn 2. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
William Byron (24), Daniel Hemric (8) and Reed Sorenson (77) raced three wide out of turn 4. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Lugnuts flew as Alex Bowman’s pit crew sprang into action. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
A B-2 bomber, the Spirit of Washington, flew over before the start of the race. (Copyright 2019 by Brian Turrel)
Racing is underway on Saturday at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. Racing will continue at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway. (Fan photo by Steve Rupert)Racing is underway on Saturday at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Kansas Lottery 300 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. Racing will continue at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway. (Fan photo by Steve Rupert)
